Private · Guests Only
Bordeaux
2026
 
Celebrating 30 Years · May 2026

Château
Bordeaux

A 30th Anniversary in France
Arrival May 17
Château Ends May 23
Optional Leg May 23–27
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Key Numbers

Contacts

Save these numbers before you travel. When in doubt, the 24/7 hotline is your first call.

Concierge Team
+33 (0)6 26 33 28 12
General support throughout the trip
Château Le Vert · Property Contact
Claudia · +33 476 99 37 01
On-site property contact
ORA Travel · 24/7 Hotline
+33 9 72 30 10 31
Transfers, logistics, emergencies
elena@ora.travel
Private Chef · Chef Flavien
+33 681 00 38 85
All breakfasts & dinners at the château
Château de Cérons · Winery
+33 556 27 01 13
Monday May 18 · Winery visit & tasting
Bordeaux Bike Tour · Jean-Christophe
+33 (0)6 08 17 11 60
Tuesday May 19 · Bike tour
La Fine Bouche · Restaurant
+33 5 56 38 75 23
Saturday May 23 · Dinner · 7:30 PM
Echo · Restaurant
+33 5 56 81 69 95
Sunday May 24 · Dinner · 7:00 PM
Les Sources de Caudalie · Spa
+33 5 57 83 83 83
Monday May 25 · Spa · 10:00 AM (J&H)
La Tupina · Restaurant
+33 5 56 91 56 37
Monday May 25 · Dinner · 7:00 PM
Cent 33 · Restaurant
+33 5 56 15 90 40
Tuesday May 26 · Lunch · 12:00 PM
What to Bring

Packing List

Late May in the Bordeaux region is warm and beautiful --- typically 65–78°F. Pack for comfortable days, mild evenings, and a few nice dinners.

Clothing

  • Lightweight layers (evenings can cool)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • One or two nicer dinner outfits
  • Casual daywear
  • Light jacket or cardigan
  • Sunhat
  • Swimsuit

Essentials

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Travel insurance info
  • European plug adapter
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable day bag
  • Any prescriptions
  • Small amount of euros in cash

Nice to Have

  • Camera or quality phone lens
  • Reusable water bottle
  • French phrasebook / offline maps
  • Light reading for downtime
  • Portable charger

Leave Behind

  • Overpacking --- you'll thank yourself
  • Heavy formal wear
  • Work anxiety (orders from management)
Getting There

Flight Options

All recommended flights route through Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) on Air France --- this is intentional. Paris has many daily connections to Bordeaux, so if there's any delay, you have options. Flight times are subject to change; book as soon as possible to secure availability. Questions or booking support: [email protected]

From New York · JFK

Outbound · May 16

Departs JFK 6:30 PM → Arrives BOD 11:00 AM (+1). 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 40 min layover). Total: 10 hrs 30 min, overnight flight.

Outbound

Return Option 1 · May 23

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives JFK 3:50 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 10 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 55 min.

Return

Return Option 2 · May 27

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives JFK 3:50 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 10 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 55 min.

Extended Return

From Newark · EWR

Outbound · May 16

Departs EWR 5:00 PM → Arrives BOD 8:25 AM (+1). 1 stop via CDG (1 hr layover). Overnight flight.

Outbound

Return Option 1 · May 23

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives EWR 2:45 PM. 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 10 min layover). Total: 10 hrs 50 min.

Return

Return Option 2 · May 27

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives EWR 2:45 PM. 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 10 min layover). Total: 10 hrs 50 min.

Extended Return

From Boston · BOS

Outbound · May 16

Departs BOS 9:45 PM → Arrives BOD 1:15 PM (+1). 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 25 min layover). Total: 9 hrs 30 min, overnight flight.

Outbound

Return Option 1 · May 23

Departs BOD 2:05 PM → Arrives BOS 7:35 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 15 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 30 min.

Return

Return Option 2 · May 27

Departs BOD 2:05 PM → Arrives BOS 7:35 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 15 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 30 min.

Extended Return

Airport to Château · Group Van Transfer

A private van will transport everyone from Bordeaux airport (BOD) to Château Le Vert together. Please plan to arrive at BOD by 12:00 PM on May 17 so we can depart as a group. If you're flying in the night before or have an early arrival, let the group know on the Guest Board.

Group Transfer
Where We're Going

Château Le Vert

We're staying at Château Le Vert, a private estate approximately one hour from Bordeaux, in the heart of southwest France's wine country.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Entre-Deux-Mers, Le Vert sits within Porte-de-Benauge --- a quiet rural commune southeast of Bordeaux, formed from three ancient villages. The area falls within the Haut-Benauge appellation, known for its crisp, aromatic dry whites. Vineyards, medieval stone villages, and a distinctly unhurried pace define the landscape.

Part 1 · The Château

May 17–23
Your home base in the French countryside. A private chef will be on hand to prepare breakfast and dinner daily at the château.

Part 2 · Bordeaux City

May 23–27 · Optional
Jeanine and Hervey will be staying in Bordeaux city to continue the celebration --- May 25 is their anniversary and May 26 is Jeanine's birthday. You are warmly welcome to join them. See the Hotels section for where to stay.

Château Le Vert exterior Château Le Vert interior Château Le Vert grounds Outdoor dining at Château Le Vert
Château Le Vert pool Château Le Vert, Bordeaux
Day by Day

The Itinerary

Part 1 At the Château · May 17–23
Sun · May 17

Arrival & Check-In

🚐 Group airport transfer from BOD --- please be at the airport by 12:00 PM.

Note: Check-in at the château is at 4:00 PM. You'll arrive well before then, so plan to explore the grounds, the nearby village, or simply relax while you wait.

🍽️ Dinner --- Chef, family style · Wine & water included

Mon · May 18

Château de Cérons Winery Visit & Tasting

🍳 Breakfast --- Chef, family style

🍷 11:30 AM --- Château de Cérons Winery Visit & Tasting

Discover the history and magic of this magnificent 17th-century manor house, fully surrounded by vineyards. You'll visit the cellar and winemaking facility, then close with a tasting of four different wines. Approximate duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.

📍 1 Latour, 33720 Cérons, France
🚗 Van transport to/from included
📞 Château de Cérons: +33 556 27 01 13

🍽️ Dinner --- Chef, family style · Wine & water included

Tue · May 19

Bordeaux Bike Tour

🍳 Breakfast --- Chef, family style

🚴 9:30 AM --- Bordeaux Bike Tour (~3 hours, ~12km)

An easygoing ride around Bordeaux city center, visiting major sites as well as some hidden corners. Approximately 12km total.

📍 Meeting point: 47 Rue de la Rousselle, in front of the square "Raymond Colom"
🅿️ Nearest parking: Parking Indigo Salinières, ~7 min walk
🚗 Van transport to/from included
📞 Jean-Christophe: +33 (0)6 08 17 11 60

🍽️ Dinner --- Chef, family style · Wine & water included

Wed · May 20

Free Day

🍳 Breakfast --- Chef, family style

✨ Explore at your own pace

🍽️ Dinner --- Chef, family style · Wine & water included

Thu · May 21

Free Day

🍳 Breakfast --- Chef, family style

✨ Explore at your own pace

🍽️ Dinner --- Chef, family style · Wine & water included

Fri · May 22

Riverside Lunch & Traditional Bordelaise Dinner

🍳 Breakfast --- Chef, family style

🚐 Lunch on the river --- Transportation to and from included.

🍽️ 7:00 PM --- Traditional Bordelaise Dinner

Enjoy a delicious 3-course traditional Bordelaise meal prepared for you in the comfort of the château. Please note that wine is not included in the meal, though a wine selection is available for purchase at the château. Kindly inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

📞 Chef Flavien: +33 681 00 38 85

Sat · May 23

Check-Out

🍳 Light breakfast --- Chef, family style

🚐 Option 1 · Group Shuttle (Early) --- Mercedes Sprinter departs at 7:30 AM for those catching early flights. Driver details sent via SMS 90 min before. Just be ready in the lobby. 24/7 Hotline: +33 9 72 30 10 31. Gratuity not included.

🚗 Option 2 · On Your Own (Later) --- If you prefer a later departure, you're welcome to arrange your own transport. Uber is available in the Bordeaux area. Please note checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Those continuing on to Bordeaux city for Part 2 head out after breakfast.

Optional · 4 Guests Part 2 · May 23–27 · Bordeaux City
Sat · May 23

Château Checkout & Transfer to Bordeaux

🍳 Light breakfast --- Chef, family style

🚐 7:30 AM --- Mercedes Sprinter departs for those catching early flights. Driver details sent via SMS 90 min before. 24/7 Hotline: +33 9 72 30 10 31. Gratuity not included.

If you don't need to catch an early flight, you're welcome to stay at the château until 11:00 AM checkout. You're also welcome to arrange your own transport to the airport if you prefer.

🍽️ 7:30 PM --- Dinner at La Fine Bouche

A refined, modern restaurant in the historic heart of Bordeaux. Chef Matthieu Goguet showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with creative twists --- excellent wine pairings and strong value-for-quality tasting menus.
📍 30 Rue du Hâ, 33000 Bordeaux
📞 +33 5 56 38 75 23

Sun · May 24

Walking Tour of Bordeaux

🏛️ 10:00 AM --- Private Walking Tour of Historic Bordeaux (TBC) · ~2 hours

An English-speaking licensed guide meets you in the lobby of your hotel. Explore Bordeaux's architecture from Roman origins through Gothic, neoclassical, and contemporary --- Cathedral Saint-André, the National Opera, Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux, Monument aux Girondins, the Water Mirror, and the Chartrons district.
📞 24/7 Hotline: +33 9 72 30 10 31
Note: Transportation, museum entry fees, and gratuity to guide not included.

🍽️ 7:00 PM --- Dinner at Echo

A trendy, intimate wine bar restaurant in the historic centre. Creative small plates, natural wines, seasonal locally sourced ingredients --- warm "cave à manger" spirit.
📍 18 Rue de la Cour des Aides, 33000 Bordeaux
📞 +33 5 56 81 69 95

Mon · May 25

🥂 30th Anniversary · Spa Day

10:00 AM --- Spa Vinothérapie at Les Sources de Caudalie (J&H · 50-min body treatments · Confirmed)

A luxurious wellness sanctuary nestled among the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, just outside Bordeaux. World-class vinotherapy treatments, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, hammams, and jacuzzis. 30% prepayment made --- remainder to be paid on site.
📍 Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Martillac
📞 +33 5 57 83 83 83
Note: Transportation to the spa not included.

🍽️ 7:00 PM --- Dinner at La Tupina

One of Bordeaux's most iconic traditional restaurants, celebrated for authentic Southwestern French cuisine. Regional specialties cooked over an open wood fire --- grilled meats, duck specialties, crackling fireplace. Founded 1968.
📍 6 Rue Porte de la Monnaie, 33800 Bordeaux
📞 +33 5 56 91 56 37

Tue · May 26

🎂 Jeanine's Birthday

🍽️ 12:00 PM --- Lunch at Cent 33

A fine-dining restaurant in Bordeaux's Chartrons district, led by Chef Fabien Beaufour. Seasonal French gastronomy with international influences --- tasting menus of 4 to 6 courses, extensive natural wines, eco-responsible approach.
Pre-selected menu required · Full payment in advance · Recommend the Experience Menu
📍 133 Rue du Jardin Public, 33000 Bordeaux
📞 +33 5 56 15 90 40

🍽️ 7:00 PM --- Dinner at Le Pressoire D'Argent · Birthday dinner

Le Pressoir d'Argent is a two Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Gordon Ramsay, situated inside the InterContinental Bordeaux at Place de la Comédie. It takes its name from the dining room's centerpiece --- a rare Christofle solid silver lobster press, one of only five in the world --- used tableside each evening as part of the experience.

Wed · May 27

Departures

🚐 Transfer from Villa Foch to Bordeaux Airport (BOD) · TBC

📞 24/7 Hotline: +33 9 72 30 10 31

Safe travels home. Return flights from BOD --- see Flights section for options.

Things to Do

Activities

From wine country exploration to local village markets. More specific plans and bookings will be shared here in the coming weeks --- stay tuned.

🍷

Wine Tastings

Guided visits to nearby estates in the Bordeaux appellation.

🏘️

Village Exploration

Medieval villages, markets, cafés, and French countryside charm.

🚴

Cycling

Vineyard routes by bike. Flat terrain through the Gironde suits all levels.

🍽️

Cooking & Dining

Group dinners at the château and local bistros. Optional cooking class.

🏛️

Bordeaux City

Day trip to the UNESCO riverfront, Cité du Vin, and St-Pierre quarter.

🌿

Leisure

Grounds, gardens, pool. Sometimes the best activity is doing nothing in France.

Outdoor dining at Château Le Vert Al fresco evenings
Bordeaux City · Part 2

Hotel Options

For those joining the optional leg (May 23–27), Bordeaux city center is walkable, well-connected by tram, and genuinely beautiful. Book early --- late May fills up fast.

Le Burdigala · Mériadeck District

A 5-star lifestyle hotel recently transformed into one of Bordeaux's most vibrant stays. Named after the Roman name for Bordeaux, it's anything but ancient --- sleek modern rooms, a lively lobby bar, private cinema, coworking space, and the Madame B restaurant helmed by an Alain Ducasse alumnus. A short walk from the main shopping district and city center.

Lifestyle

Villas Foch · Cours du Maréchal Foch

A 5-star boutique hotel in a stunning 19th-century building near the tram. 20 rooms and 8 suites, spa, and cocktail bar. Rated 4.8/5 --- exceptional service, spotless rooms, walkable to everything. The top pick for this group.

Recommended

Le Boutique Hôtel Bordeaux · Rue Lafaurie de Monbadon

A well-regarded 4-star in the heart of the city. On-site restaurant and spa, 24/7 staff, and a short walk to major attractions. Rated 4.4/5 --- great value for the location and quality.

Good Value

Hotel Le Palais Gallien · Rue Abbé de l'Épée

A refined boutique property in a quiet residential area, about 15 minutes on foot to the center. Elegant interiors, named rooms, and attentive service. Rated 4.6/5 --- ideal if you want calm over bustle.

Boutique
Guest Board

Questions & Conversation

This is the place for anything trip-related before, during, and after we go. Got a question about packing, flights, or what to expect at the château? Ask it here. Want to share something you're excited about, coordinate a side trip, or suggest a dinner spot in Bordeaux? Post it here. Everyone on the trip can see and reply to everything --- think of it as a group chat that lives on the site. You'll need a free Disqus account to post (takes about 30 seconds), or you can log in with Google or Facebook.